Document Actions

Major Events Fund invests in World Long Range Rifle Championships

The Government will invest up to $255,000 in the World Long Range Rifle Championships in 2019, with over 440 international participants expected to attend from key tourism and trade markets.

The championship is the international pinnacle competition for individual and team rifle shooting and is held every four years. The championships take place in Upper Hutt from 26 January-10 February 2019 at the Seddon Rifle Range in Trentham.

Shooting over distances between 300 and 1,000 yards, teams from across the world will compete for a range of championship titles. The event includes two historic shooting competitions - the Ballinger Belt and the coveted Palma trophy. The Ballinger Belt is the oldest sporting trophy in New Zealand and was first won in 1861. The first Palma match was held in 1876 in the United States as part of the celebration of 100 years of US independence. It is hotly contested as it is the longest running international rifles match in history.

“With participants and officials expected from countries like the United States, Canada, South Africa and Europe, we are expecting this event to bring good tourism revenue to the region and New Zealand,” says Devorah Blumberg, Manager of Major Events at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. “Participants are estimated to stay for the length of the championship, which runs for 16 days, with many likely to extend their visit to experience more of New Zealand.”

The Government invests, through the Major Events Development Fund, in major events that are expected to generate significant immediate and long-term benefits to New Zealand.